What happened: Dallas sits at 2-3 in the 2026 regular season as debate continues over whether the Cowboys are wasting Dak Prescott's prime years. That question drew a firm yes amid scrutiny of a defense allowing production at a league-worst rate.

Why it matters: Prescott remains the central timeline for Dallas a decade after his 2016 fourth-round selection out of Mississippi State. A losing record paired with the league's worst EPA per drive tightens the margin for staying in the division race.

What to watch: Dallas enters Week 7 needing defensive stabilization to ease pressure on Prescott's timeline. Another loss would intensify scrutiny of the roster direction around him.